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Staff bonuses is where Holyoke School District Re-1J is gearing to slot its Education Jobs Fund moneys. Options for use of that money were originally discussed March 15, with further consideration given at the April 19 school board meeting.

At a work session held just prior to Tuesday’s meeting, board president Dan Kafka said the board reviewed two options.

First, they considered staff bonuses for use of the Ed Jobs moneys plus additional revenue from the mill levy override ballot issue 3B which passed last November.

They also looked at numerous options for putting the money toward salaries. Various number scenarios were reviewed for base salary increases as well as step increases, as prepared by Sharon Thompson, director of budget and finance.

“It boiled down to the issue of sustainability,” said Kafka. He noted the board definitely does not want to make a change to the salary schedule that can’t be afforded in subsequent years. They don’t want to give something that they end up taking away.

The Education Jobs Fund moneys are from the federal government as part of the stimulus effort to protect or restore jobs in education. This district is looking at approximately $120,000.

“We would like to put salaries back where they should be, but we have to consider sustainability,” said Kafka.

At the May 3 meeting, Kafka said the board will be looking at a recommendation based on bonuses for this year.

He pointed out they’re looking at salary schedule steps that need to be repaired and for next year will look at repair to the salary schedule.

Kim Killin noted even the lowest projected increase in salaries would put the reserve funds under the balance the board has said they’ll keep. Due to that concern, the bonus option looks to be the better way to go for this year.

Kafka closed the board discussion, emphasizing it’s their heartfelt desire to compensate and honor staff as best they can.

Social studies and FACS teachers hired for 2011-12

Karen Pieper and Nicolas Balog were hired for Holyoke School District teaching positions for 2011-12 at the April 19 school board meeting.

Pieper will serve as the HHS Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teacher, while Balog will fill the open JR/SR high social studies position.

Pieper grew up in Akron and will graduate from Colorado State University in May with a degree in family and consumer science education. She is currently completing her student teaching at Merino High School.

Balog will graduate from the University of Northern Colorado in May with a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in United States history. He is currently completing his student teaching at Severance Middle School in Windsor.

Prior to approval of the two new staff members, the Re-1J board accepted resignations from Daniel Burge, FACS teacher; Stuart Potter, band/music instructor; Nancy Dee, elementary and junior high computer teacher; and Jane Encinias, elementary teacher aide. All resignations are effective May 27.

A couple of substantive changes were noted in Policy GBGG on staff leave. It addresses termination of employment, for which an employee will be paid up to two days of the current year’s leave allocation if available. It will be paid at the rate for certificated substitute personnel.

Introducing Policy GBGH on sick leave bank/support leave bank, Supt. Bret Miles said the intent of revisions is to clarify procedures, and he appreciated the group which met a number of times to make those clarifications.

Miles cited enrollment in the sick leave bank is limited to the first month of employment or between Aug. 15-Sept. 15 of each year.

Other business

In other business at the April 19 meeting, the Re-1J board:

—adopted a teacher appreciation proclamation, proclaiming May 3 as National Teacher Appreciation Day.

—approved second reading of board policy IHCDA on post secondary/concurrent enrollment and first reading of board policy ADF on school wellness.

—held a 30-minute executive session at the close of the meeting for discussion of the superintendent evaluation.